‘Run for Health’ marathon kickstarts VIT cultural fest Riviera 2025

VIT's Riviera 2025 cultural fest showcases talents from 80 universities, featuring music, sports, and inspirational speeches.

A fusion of talents and ideas was visible at the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT’s) cultural fest ‘Riviera 2025’, which commenced at the college campus on Thursday.

Over 45,000 students from 80 universities and colleges in the country, and 26 other countries in Asia, Europe and Africa, participated at the four-day fest. The fest will include rollicking events, skill-based competitions and entertainment shows.

“Students should never deviate from achieving their goals. Students should work continuously towards their dreams irrespective of ups and downs they face during the process of achieving their target,” said Anitha Pauldurai, former Indian captain of Women’s Basketball team.

Amid thundering applause, Ms. Pauldurai shared her thoughts on basketball, passion for the game and books. “Even after marriage, I continued to excel in the sport. I was able to do that because of unconditional support given by my husband, the man behind my success especially after marriage. Just go the distance to grab your success,” the former basketball captain said.

Later, VIT’s Vice-President Sankar Viswanathan, who declared the Riviera 2025 open, flagged off a 9.9-km marathon titled ‘Run for Health,’ which began from VIT campus. The event was organised to highlight the importance of saving the environment. Over 2,700 participants, including 1,200 girls, participated.

On the first day, renowned singers such as Shreya Ghosal and DJ Paroma will perform. Singer Jonita Gandhi and Manjari Ft. Bennet and Band, will grace the fest the following day; music director G.V. Prakash will make a special appearance followed by the performances of the talented Mohan Sisters (Neeti, Shakti and Mukti) on the third day of the fest; DJ Rink will present the evening performance on Sunday, the concluding day of the fest.